# TRT Watchdog

> Independent comparison of online testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) programs: all-in monthly prices, lab costs, what's included and who prescribes, checked against each program's own site.

TRT Watchdog is independent. Some programs pay us a commission when a reader signs up; that never changes a score (price 30%, transparency 25%, care 20%, access 15%, reputation 10%). Every price links to the provider page it was read from. Prices last checked October 26, 2026.

## Key facts

- Top-scored: Maximus: score 8.6/10, from $99.99/month (6-month plan), Compounded medication, medication in price: included, FDA warning letter on record
- Second: PeterMD: score 8.3/10, from $79/month (12-month plan ($948 total shown)), drug type not stated, medication in price: included
- Third: Hims: score 7.9/10, from $98/month (medication monthly plus membership), FDA-approved + compounded medication, medication in price: extra, FDA warning letter on record
- Lowest all-in monthly price we found: $79 at PeterMD (TRT, 12-month plan, 12-month plan ($948 total shown))
- Programs compared: 10
- Testosterone is a controlled substance: Testosterone is Schedule III under federal law. The DEA lets clinicians prescribe it by telemedicine without an in-person visit through December 31, 2026 (its fourth temporary extension). A permanent rule is expected but not yet published; without one or another extension, the in-person requirement returns on January 1, 2027.
- Membership plus medication, or one price?: Several programs advertise the medication price and add a monthly membership at checkout (Hims, Hone, Male Excel). Others quote one price with the doctor and medication included (Taurus, MangoRx, Maximus). Our headline prices always add the membership.
- Who pays for the labs?: You need blood work before and during TRT. Some programs include it (Taurus follow-ups, MangoRx, Hone every 90 days); others charge on top, from $49 for a first test to $247 or more for a full panel.
- The cheapest month usually means prepaying: The lowest monthly prices come with 6- or 12-month plans paid up front, and many programs refund nothing once medication ships. Check the month-to-month price too.
- FDA-approved or compounded?: Xyosted and Kyzatrex are FDA-approved; most online programs dispense compounded testosterone mixed by a pharmacy, which is not FDA-approved as a finished product. Each card says which.
- Testosterone is a controlled substance: Telehealth prescribing of Schedule III drugs like testosterone currently runs on a DEA extension that ends December 31, 2026. If no permanent rule replaces it, an in-person visit becomes required again.
- Want to keep your fertility?: Testosterone can lower sperm production. Enclomiphene raises your own testosterone instead, and some programs add hCG. Ask before you start.
- Insurance rarely applies: Almost every online TRT program is cash only. Some accept FSA or HSA cards, and a few let insurance cover the lab work.

## Core pages

- [Best TRT programs](https://trtwatchdog.com/best): every program ranked on our published score
- [Prices](https://trtwatchdog.com/cost): lowest all-in monthly price per program and per treatment, with sources
- [Find my match](https://trtwatchdog.com/quiz): a short quiz that returns three programs
- [Compare](https://trtwatchdog.com/compare): every program side by side in pairs
- [How we score](https://trtwatchdog.com/methodology): the exact scoring rules
- [Price Index](https://trtwatchdog.com/price-index): cheapest and median monthly price over time ([JSON](https://trtwatchdog.com/price-index.json))
- [Full data](https://trtwatchdog.com/llms-full.txt) · [JSON](https://trtwatchdog.com/providers.json) · [CSV](https://trtwatchdog.com/providers.csv)

## Reviews

- [Maximus review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/maximus): Men who will commit to six months to get the lowest monthly price.
- [PeterMD review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/petermd): Men sure about TRT who want the lowest monthly price and will prepay a year.
- [Hims review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/hims): Men who want an FDA-approved oral option from a well-known brand.
- [Taurus Meds review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/taurus-meds): Men who want ongoing lab monitoring without paying for each test.
- [Hone Health review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/hone-health): Men who want close lab monitoring and many treatment options.
- [LifeMD Men's Health review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/lifemd): Men who want an FDA-approved, easy auto-injector.
- [MangoRx review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/mangorx): Men who want labs and treatment in one predictable bill.
- [Male Excel review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/male-excel): Men who want testosterone with thyroid support and don't mind paying more.
- [Brightmeds review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/brightmeds): Men who want labs included and are fine confirming the price at checkout.
- [GoodLife Health review](https://trtwatchdog.com/reviews/goodlife-health): Men who want TRT as part of full metabolic and heart-health monitoring.

## Guides

- [Enclomiphene vs TRT: which is right for you?](https://trtwatchdog.com/guides/enclomiphene-vs-trt): Enclomiphene raises your own testosterone and can protect sperm counts; TRT replaces it directly. How the two differ on fertility, evidence and FDA status.
- [How much does TRT cost online? Membership, meds and labs explained](https://trtwatchdog.com/guides/trt-cost): Online TRT costs more than the headline price once you add the membership, labs and plan length. Here is what each program charges for each part, sourced.